Geek’s 2007 SIR Abstract Report 3: Pregnancy after MRgFUS for Uterine Fibroids – First Experiences

This is the third installment of my geeky science series on the abstracts and posters presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 32nd annual Scientific Meeting held March 1 – March 6, 2007.

Pregnancy after MRgFUS for Uterine Fibroids: First Experiences

Geek’s 2007 SIR Abstract Report 2: Post-Embolization Syndrome: Leukocytosis after Uterine Artery Embolization

This is the second in my series of geeky reports on the abstracts and posters presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 32nd annual Scientific Meeting held March 1 – March 6, 2007.

Post-Embolization Syndrome: Leukocytosis after Uterine Artery Embolization

Geek’s 2007 SIR Abstract Report: Comparison of Partial to Complete Uterine Fibroid Embolization

The Society of Interventional Radiology held its 32nd annual Scientific Meeting from March 1 – March 6, 2007. Multiple abstracts and posters were presented. I’ll try my best to discuss as many of the fibroid-related ones as I can. Yes, this is (hopefully) the first in a series of very geeky reports.

A Prospective Randomized Comparison of Partial to Complete Uterine Fibroid Embolization

If soy contributes to fibroid growth, I’m in trouble…

Ahhh, the controversy of soy. There is evidence to support both arguments. Some scientists feel since it is estrogenic (binds to estrogen receptors), soy would stimulate fibroid growth. Others feel it acts as a weak estrogen. Therefore, soy would bind to the receptors, block your estrogen from binding, and be beneficial.

I’ll talk more about that in a minute but I first wanted to list the 5 forms of soy that can be found in my house right now:

ExAblate 2000 (MRgFUS) non-invasive fibroid treatment receives two new associated approvals by the FDA

Received an email message from a visitor who wanted to pass along this information about the additional ExAblate 2000 approvals by the FDA. Thanks for the update!

From the email message:

The FDA approved new software that allows the ExAblate 2000 incisionless surgery procedure to be performed more efficiently by permitting more sonications during the same treatment window. This means that women with fibroids can be treated faster and women with larger fibroids may now be eligible for the outpatient procedure. The greater the area of the fibroid that a physician can treat, the greater the symptom relief. The agency is also allowing the system to be used with a more powerful open MRI machine, which means the physicians will have an even more precise view inside the woman’s body.

You can click the links to view the full press releases on Insightec’s web site but I included excerpts…

Reflecting on The Elegant Universe and string theory

Seem to have slowed down today. Still feeling a little under the weather but happy. I started reading Brian Greene’s The Elegant Universe a couple of days ago. Found a good quote near the beginning that I will probably add to the Home page or About page of this site eventually:

When science is widely seen as an integral part of what makes us human, our own connection to the cosmos will be significantly strengthened; truly, science is the thread that weaves us all into the fabric of reality.

Tell me about Lupron, Synarel, and Zoladex (gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists)

One upon a time (months ago), I wrote a post on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists but I don’t think anyone really saw it. I guess it’s the name. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist does sound kind of strange.

How about Lupron, Synarel, and Zoladex? Yeah, still a little funny sounding but better. Lupron, Synarel, and Zoladex all belong to the class of drugs known as (everybody chime in)… gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists).

So you need proof of global warming, right?

Global warming is the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. It’s been in the news quite a bit and remains a concern because of the projected continuation of rising temperatures. Many believe. Many don’t. Yet another issue causing polarity (like we need another).

Do you think I write like a man?

Received a good comment from Z on this site. Decided to pay Z a visit and found a cool post about the Gender Genie. The site uses geeky science stuff (a simplied version of an algorithm) to predict author gender. You KNOW I had to use the online program because it mentioned nature.com.

I submitted these posts at the Gender Genie site with the following results:

PBS American Experience – Test Tube Babies (story of IVF research in the US) (male)

Uterine fibroid symptoms (not my idea of fun) (male)

Is there a natural alternative therapy or treatment for uterine fibroids? (female)

Would somebody tell me how much these dang fibroid tumors weigh? (male)

What are uterine fibroid tumors? (male)

So, four of my five posts were categorized as being written by a man. 80%. Hmmm. Now that’s quite interesting considering this blog is about uterine fibroid tumors – definitely a female topic!

I’m actually pretty happy with the results. My goal was to create a science-based site and (for whatever ignorant reason) society sees geeky, scientific people as male. Through my writing, I’ve accomplished this objective!

Seriously, I’m happy that we’ve formed quite a support community. I’ve learned so much from you. I hope you’ve learned from me and from each other. It is important to share personal experiences. I’ve tried to assist in the exchange by setting up an informal Fibroid Forum here as well as a more traditional Fibroid Discussion Forum at Oprah.com.

Although I have spent a tremendous amount of time with those endeavors, I have not deviated from my original mission. I will always push to discover more about the true science, medicine, and research behind the issue of fibroids and present my findings here. I know that I’m not the only geek in the world and that many women are interested in a site that deals with the body, spirit, AND mind.

Thanks for joining me in this experiment!

PBS American Experience – Test Tube Babies (story of IVF research in the US)

Watched another great PBS show a couple of nights ago. I heard about it last week and kept walking around the house, audibly reminding myself to view it. The broadcast was a documentary on the history of in vitro fertilization (IVF) research in the United States. I was fascinated by the story behind the technique. At least a couple of my visitors here have mentioned IVF. I’ll write a little about the television program and then get busy creating a post about uterine fibroids and fertility issues.

Would somebody tell me how much these dang fibroid tumors weigh?

Natural progression after viewing fibroid pictures. With all the shapes and sizes, you can see why getting an answer to the fibroid weight question can prove difficult.

Lots of thoughts about this in another post. The original fibroid weight question:

momma’s_girl: wondering how much a softball sized tumor would weigh… any ideas?

So, I set out to search for an answer. From a couple of my responses:

EclecticGeek: Heard fibroids can weigh several pounds but couldn’t find anything that related fibroid weight to approximate size. Started camping out at Google Scholar and PubMed typing in keywords to search (fibroid weight, weight of fibroids, fibroid weight calculation, etc.). I think part of the problem is the shape. Fibroids aren’t perfect spheres so you can’t use some standard formula. Also, I can’t find a consensus on the composition. I’m sure the percentage of whatever is in there varies also compounding the problem.

I was running out of ideas at this point. Fortunately, a contributor provided a spark to jump start my thought processes again. Yay! From the geeky fibroid weight comment:

fibroid free: Volume (V) = LxWxH ok then Mass=Vp (vol x density) ok but how do I get the density?? Then I searched some clinical abstracts and I did find a couple of abstracts listing average weight in surgery comparisons….this is fuzzy science from a Microbiologist/Biochemist so dont kill the messger… it was noted that an 9 cmx 3 cm ‘broid was listed on average as 350-400 grams. Ok so 1000grams = 2.205 lbs or 1 g = 0.002205 pounds (lbs) sooo….. 500g = 1.1 ilb; 350 g= 0.77 lbs and 400 g = 0.88 lbs

Ahhh. Yes, it’s becoming clearer. Hang with me for the last little bit. My “geek-like” response:

EclecticGeek: When I started reading what you said about volume, it clicked. Density is a problem but also shape. Women are getting different dimensions for the fibroids. Some get three (i.e. 7cm x 8cm x 9cm) and can use the formula you provided. More rectangular I guess(?). Some get only one (i.e 6cm) and would need the formula for a sphere (hence pi). For two dimensions (i.e. 9cm x 3cm), maybe use a cylinder calculation(?) that also requires pi.

Now, here is some review material, a few volume equations, and an online calculator. (Did I just sound like a teacher?)

Mass

Density

Sphere

Cylinder

Rectangular Prism

Volume

Volume of Common Solids

Online Volume Calculator

Rectangular Prism: V = l x w x h [i.e. 7cm x 5cm x 2cm = 70cm³]
Cylinder: V = ∏r²h [i.e. dimensions 9, 3: (3.14)(1.5cm)²(9cm) = 63.6cm³]
Sphere: V = 4(∏r³)/3 [i.e. dimension 9: 4(3.14)(4.5)³/3 = 381.5cm³]
Density: ρ = m/V (We will worry about density later after we get volumes and can find more mass info.)

Okay. Let’s get this “fibroid weight” party started. Post your thoughts, calculations, corrections, or other info.

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Related Posts:
What are uterine fibroid tumors?
Psst… Where can I find pictures of fibroid tumors?
Can I pass a uterine fibroid?

OR-Live brings fibroid surgery video to your computer via medical webcasts

Thinking about a procedure but you want to learn a little more? Well, welcome to the world of almost too much information. OR-Live allows you to view a myriad of moderated surgical videos. Archived broadcasts are categorized by specialty (in case you want to see non-fibroid stuff). Plan ahead and you can even catch a video live.

I used this site as part of my medical decision process. After seeing the Uterine Fibroid Embolization broadcast several months ago, I knew I had to have it. Glad I viewed the UFE previously since I remember nothing from my actual procedure.

Here’s the list:

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Robotic Myomectomy Enables Treatment of Uterine Fibroids While Preserving Fertility

[Abdominal Myomectomy - A Treatment for the Removal of Fibroids]

da Vinci® Minimally Invasive Robotic Hysterectomy (view live on September 20, 2006; visit the site and sign up for an email reminder)

Advanced Technique for Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy

OK. Grab some popcorn and enjoy.

[Edited to add Abdominal Myomectomy video link. Thanks Val!]